Why Morena Ramoreboli could be Pitso Mosimane’s secret weapon at Bafana

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Pitso Mosimane knew there was one important piece missing from his new Bafana Bafana technical team. He has now found it in Morena Ramoreboli.

When Mosimane was unveiled as Bafana coach last week, he confirmed the return of trusted lieutenants Kabelo Rangoaga and Musi Matlaba to his technical setup.

But there was one vacancy.

Mosimane had made it clear that he still wanted an assistant coach, and that position has now been filled by Ramoreboli, who leaves his post as Botswana head coach to join the Bafana setup. 

On the surface, it is another coaching appointment.

For Mosimane, however, it could prove to be one of the most important.

Ramoreboli brings something different to a technical team already populated by people Mosimane knows and trusts.

National head coach experience

He has recent experience of running a national team himself, having been in charge of Botswana, while his coaching journey has included success with Jwaneng Galaxy and experience in continental football. 

That regional knowledge could become particularly valuable for Bafana as they prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Mosimane does not need another voice simply to agree with him. He needs people around him who understand the African football landscape, can read opponents and players quickly and are comfortable operating in the often unpredictable environment of international football.

Ramoreboli has already had to do exactly that.

His appointment also represents a break from the previous Bafana structure.

Helman Mkhalele, who had served as Hugo Broos’ assistant since 2021, was not retained after the World Cup. Mosimane explained that coaches tend to bring trusted members of their own technical teams with them. 

Knowledge of Bafana environment

Ramoreboli is therefore not simply filling a vacant chair.

He is becoming part of Mosimane’s attempt to create an environment in which the head coach has people around him who understand his football philosophy while also bringing their own experiences to the table.

There is another layer to his appointment.

Ramoreboli already knows the Bafana environment.

He previously worked within the national-team setup and has experience of South African football, but his time in Botswana has given him a different perspective on the game in the region.

That could be useful to Mosimane as he attempts to build a Bafana side capable of competing consistently beyond South Africa’s borders.

Little time to settle ahead of AFCON qualifiers

The timing could hardly be more important.

Bafana are preparing for their 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea later this month, meaning Mosimane’s new technical team will have little time to settle. 

Rangoaga knows Mosimane’s methods. Matlaba knows his analytical demands. Ramoreboli now brings the experience of having sat in the head coach’s chair himself.

That combination could make the new assistant far more than another member of the backroom staff.

Ramoreboli may ultimately become one of the most important pieces of Mosimane’s Bafana project.